Late GoldenrodSolidago gigantea

Other common names:
Giant Goldenrod, Smooth Goldenrod, Tall GoldenrodOther scientific names: Solidago pitcheri, Solidago serotina, Solidago shinnersiiFrench names:
Verge d'or géanteFamily: Composite Family (Asteraceae)Group: GoldenrodsDistinctive features:
Smooth stem all the way up, is glaucous (has a whitish bloom). Very tall. Flowers early, not "late".Similar species:  Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) - stem fuzzy; flowers smaller.  Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) - stem fuzzy; flowers about the same size; has galls.  Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea) - blooms slightly earlier; has many basal leaves.Flowers: Summer; Yellow; Indistinguishable parts (petals); In spite of its name, this species does not flower "late". In fact, it flowers right on the heels of Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea), which is the first species of Goldenrod to flower in the season.Height:
Up to 2 m (6 ft)Stem:
Smooth all the way up. Glaucous (has a whitish bloom that can be easily rubbed off).Habitat: Fields and Open Areas; Open areas, fields.Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 448 Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 190 ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 184 Native/Non-native:
NativeStatus:
Common.
Notes:
This species is sometimes called "Tall Goldenrod" - in fact it is referred to this way in The Goldenrods of Ontario.
Photographs:
152 photographs available, of which 12 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Range Map is at the bottom of the page